Kumbha Sankranti is a Hindu festival celebrated as part of the larger festival of Sankranti, which marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn. This transition is significant in Hindu astrology and is considered a time of spiritual renewal and auspicious beginnings.
Kumbha Sankranti is particularly observed in the state of Maharashtra, where it’s associated with the Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. The Kumbh Mela occurs every 12 years and rotates between four locations: Allahabad (Prayagraj), Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. The Kumbha Sankranti marks the beginning of this grand festival and is celebrated with rituals, prayers, and pilgrimages.
The festival usually involves bathing in holy rivers, performing religious rites, and participating in various cultural activities. It’s a time for devotees to cleanse themselves spiritually and seek blessings for prosperity and well-being.
Kumbha Sankranti is also closely associated with Kumbh Mela which is considered to be biggest and the most auspicious religious gathering in the world.Legends of Kumbha Sankranti
The legend associated with Kumbha Sankranti is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, particularly involving the famous story of the "Samudra Manthan" or "Churning of the Ocean.
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The Churning of the Ocean: According to Hindu mythology, the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) once cooperated to churn the ocean (Samudra) to obtain Amrita, the nectar of immortality. To churn the ocean, they used Mount Mandara as the churning rod and the serpent Vasuki as the rope.
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The Appearance of the Kumbh: During the churning, several divine treasures and beings emerged from the ocean, including the Kumbh (a divine pot). This Kumbh was filled with Amrita.
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The Struggle for Amrita: The gods and demons fought over the Kumbh to gain possession of the nectar. During this struggle, four drops of Amrita fell to the earth at four different places: Prayagraj (Allahabad), Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik.
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The Kumbh Mela: The Kumbh Mela is celebrated at these four locations where the drops fell, symbolizing the divine significance of these places. The festival of Kumbha Sankranti marks the beginning of the Kumbh Mela.
Kumbh Sankranti Celebrations
The peace and tranquillity that one feels on bathing in the Ganges on Kumbha Sankranti is unmatched. Devotees get up early on Kumbha Sankranti and head to the bathing gaths to seek blessings from Goddess Ganga. After taking the holy bath, the devotees head to temples located on the banks of these ghats to pray to the Goddess Ganga for peace and happiness in their life.
Making offerings to cows is considered highly auspicious on Kumbha Sankranti. Devotees visiting the holy cities of Haridwar and Allahabad are seen making offerings to cows on the occasion of Kumbha Sankranti. Monks and devotees alike bathe in the holy rivers and seek solace for their present and future lives on Kumbha Sankranti.
The festivities in Eastern India on the occasion of Kumbha Sankranti are special. In the Malayalam Calendar, Kumbha Sankranti marks the beginning of Kumbha Masam. The festival is known as Masi Masam in the Malayalam Calendar. Kumbha Sankranti marks the beginning of Falgun Maas in West Bengal. The holy dip taken in rivers on this occasion is known as Sankramana Snana.
The celebration of Kumbha Sankranti involves a variety of rituals and activities, often centered around spiritual renewal and communal gatherings. Here's how the festival is typically observed:
1. Ritual Bathing:
Devotees take a holy dip in sacred rivers like the Ganges, Yamuna, Godavari, or others depending on the region. Bathing in these rivers is believed to cleanse the soul and remove sins.
2. Offerings and Prayers:
Devotees offer prayers to deities and make offerings of fruits, flowers, and other items at temples or sacred sites. The rituals often include chanting hymns, performing puja (worship), and seeking blessings.
3. Pilgrimages:
Many people undertake pilgrimages to places associated with the Kumbh Mela, especially to the four major cities where the drops of Amrita are believed to have fallen. These cities become focal points of the celebrations.
4. Festivals and Fairs:
Special fairs and festivals are organized around the Kumbh Mela. These include various cultural events, spiritual discourses, and gatherings of saints and ascetics. The atmosphere is vibrant with music, dance, and traditional performances.
5. Community Feasts:
Community feasts or langars are organized, where food is distributed to everyone, regardless of their background. This act of sharing emphasizes the spirit of unity and equality.
6. Rituals and Traditions:
In some regions, specific rituals and traditions are followed, such as lighting lamps, participating in processions, and performing special ceremonies.
Bathing in the Ganges on Kumbha Sankranti
Bathing in the River Ganges is always considered to be auspicious. The significance of this bath increases multifold if it is taken on Kumbha Sankranti. The devotees who bathe in Ganges on Kumbha Sankranti are freed from the cycle of rebirths and attain Moksha on their demise from this world. Other holy rivers including Godavari, Shipra and Sangam hold equal significance on this day and devotees bathing in these rivers are blessed with a happy life thereafter. All sins which one might have committed are cleansed on Kumbha Sankranti.
Kumbha Sankranti is an occasion for the devotees of Goddess Ganga to seek her blessings and lead a purposeful life.इस आर्टिकल को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें